Year 2025

For the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters, 2025 was a year of strong communication, significant societal impact and a diverse range of activities. The Academy’s activities were guided by the priorities of the 2025–2028 strategic period and the operational themes that made these priorities concrete. The activities were characterised in particular by the defence of the freedom of science, the strengthening of the societal impact of science and the development of evidence-informed policymaking.

The freedom of science emerged as an exceptionally prominent theme during the year. The Academy actively participated in the public debate on the autonomy of science and emphasised the importance of freedom of science for democracy, education and policymaking. The theme was addressed in reports, roundtable discussions and public events. The Evening for Science event in November and the awarding of the Pro Scientia Prize underscored the Academy’s role as a defender of freedom of science and a facilitator of deeper discussion.

The impact of science was evident throughout the year across a wide range of the Academy’s core activities. Nearly 2.9 million euros were awarded in grants, primarily for young post-graduate researchers. The awards recognised significant lifetime achievements in science and acknowledged early-career researchers who have already distinguished themselves internationally. Publishing activities, Evenings for Science and Science Matinees brought together researchers, policymakers and the wider public, both on-site and online, strengthening the Academy’s position as a multidisciplinary discussion forum.

The science and policy activities became established and continued to expand. During the year, eight topical knowledge syntheses were produced, the Science Sparring method was developed in cooperation with the government and a comprehensive report examining the national science-for-policy ecosystem was published. These activities attracted widespread attention, and the approaches developed by the Academy received significant recognition both in Finland and internationally.

The History of science in Finland project, the activities of Young Academy Finland and international cooperation complemented the range of activities and strengthened the Academy’s role both within the scientific community and in society. Financially, the year was stable and profitable, helping to secure the Academy’s long-term operational capacity. Overall, the year 2025 strengthened the Academy’s position as an independent, expert and influential voice for science in Finland and internationally.

Governing Board and Secretary General

The year 2025 was the 118th year of operation of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters. The President of the Governing Board in 2025 was Tuula Linna and the Vice President was Heikki Mannila. Hannu Vartiainen was the Treasurer of the Board, Juha Kinnunen the Secretary of the Section of Science and Päivi Pahta the Secretary of the Section of Humanities. The ordinary members were Olli Ikkala, Riitta Julkunen-Tiitto, Tiina Kinnunen and Juhani Knuuti. The Governing Board held fourteen meetings during the year, five of which were e-mail meetings. Pekka Aula continued as Secretary General.

The members of the Governing Board served during the year as trustees of the Emil Öhmann Foundation and the Hilkka and Otto Brusiin Foundation.

The compositions of the committees and working groups set up by the Governing Board were as follows: 

Financial Management Committee: Tuula Linna (chair), Heikki Mannila, Hannu Vartiainen, Pekka Aula, Juha Kinnunen, Päivi Pahta, and expert advisory members Anders Ekholm and Ralf Sunell. The secretary was Hannu Vartiainen.

Prizes Committee: Tuula Linna (chair), Heikki Mannila, Juha Kinnunen, Päivi Pahta, Olli Ikkala and Tiina Kinnunen. The secretary of the committee was Nina Rapelo.

Publications Committee: Tuula Linna (chair), Heikki Mannila, Pekka Aula, and editors-in-chief Anna Mauranen and Risto Nieminen.

Ethics Committee: Päivi Pahta and Juha Kinnunen. The secretary of the committee was Leila Sarajärvi.

Working group for the amendment of the Rules and strategy: Tuula Linna (chair), Heikki Mannila, Päivi Pahta and Pekka Aula. The secretary of the working group was Leila Sarajärvi.

Working group on statements: Tuula Linna (chair), Heikki Mannila, Pekka Aula, Riitta Julkunen-Tiitto and Juhani Knuuti. The secretary of the working group was Nina Rapelo.

Trustees of the Emil Aaltonen Fund: Tuula Linna (chair), Hannu Vartiainen and Pekka Aula, together with Olavi Nevanlinna as the representative of the Emil Aaltonen Foundation. The secretary was Leila Sarajärvi.

The members of the Selection Committee for the Section of the Humanities until the Autumn Meeting 2025 were Ilkka Arminen, Tuomas Forsberg, Pekka Ilmakunnas, Petri Kuoppamäki, Marja-Kristiina Lerkkanen, Pirjo Markkola (chair), Minna Palander-Collin and Pamela Slotte Russo. Markkola and Lerkkanen stepped down in the Autumn Meeting and Raisa Maria Toivo and Reetta Toivanen were elected as new members of the Selection Committee.

The members of the Selection Committee for the Section of Science up until the Autumn Meeting 2025 were Jyrki Heino (chair), Matti Hämäläinen, Sirpa Jalkanen, Riitta Keiski, Tuomo Kuusi, Johanna Mappes, Pekka Niemelä and Kaisa Poutanen. Heino and Poutanen stepped down in the Autumn Meeting and Veli-Matti Kähäri and Maija Tenkanen were elected as new members of the Selection Committee.

At the Spring Meeting in April 2025, the new Rules of the Academy were approved and registered by decision of the Finnish Patent and Registration Office on 27 May. The most significant changes in the new Rules were the adoption of gender-neutral titles and the addition of a provision allowing members to review the proposals of the Selection Committees for new members prior to section meetings.

Membership

The Finnish Academy of Science and Letters had 869 ordinary members, 163 external members and six honorary members at the end of 2025. Altogether 33 new ordinary members and six new external members were elected in the Spring Meeting on 25 April.

The membership selection process was revised in 2025. A new electronic system was created for membership proposals. All members had the opportunity to review the proposals of the Selection Committees for new members one week before the section meetings in March. It was also possible to participate in the section meetings remotely.

The new members elected to the Section of Science were Katriina Aalto-Setälä (Tampere University), Vincenzo Cerullo (University of Helsinki), Laura Elo (University of Turku), Mircea Guina (Tampere University), Juho Hamari (Tampere University), Anu Kantele-Häkkinen (University of Helsinki), Veli-Matti Kerminen (University of Helsinki), Matti Kummu (Aalto University), Heidi Kuusniemi (University of Vaasa), Harri Lipsanen (Aalto University), Satu Mustjoki (University of Helsinki), Ari Pekka Mähönen (University of Helsinki), Matti Nykter (Tampere University), Pekka Pankka (University of Helsinki), Eveliina Peltola (Aalto University), Kirsi Pietiläinen (University of Helsinki), Mari Pihlatie (University of Helsinki), Jouni Pulliainen (Finnish Meteorological Institute), Robin Ras (Aalto University), Paulina Salminen (University of Turku), Ville-Veikko Telkki (University of Oulu) and Rami Vainio (University of Turku).

The new members elected to the Section of the Humanities were Titus Hjelm (University of Helsinki), Marjo Kaartinen (University of Turku), Riitta Katila (Stanford University), Päivi Leino-Sandberg (University of Helsinki), Paavo Leppänen (University of Jyväskylä), Eeva Luhtakallio (University of Helsinki), Sami Moisio (University of Helsinki), Franklin Obeng-Odoom (University of Helsinki), Olli Pyyhtinen (Tampere University), Janne Tukiainen (University of Turku) and Marja Vierros (University of Helsinki).

The new external members were Jussi Hanhimäki (Geneva Graduate Institute), Maarten de Hoop (Rice University), Mikko Karttunen (Western University), Charles M. Marcus (University of Washington), Emma Rusi Master (University of Toronto) and Zheng Yan (Xidian University).

The facilities of the Academy on the 2nd floor at Mariankatu were available to members and they were actively reserved throughout the year. In total, 171 meetings or events other than those organised internally by the Academy were held in these facilities. An estimated 400 members of the Academy participated in the Academy’s events and activities in various expert roles during the year.

The Academy mourned the deaths of the following ordinary members: Anneli Aejmelaeus, Raija Bartens, Kari Hakapää, Elina Haavio-Mannila, Antti Iivonen, Pekka Leimu, Risto Pelkonen, Jouko Rikkinen, Katariina Salmela-Aro, Arto Salomaa and Matti Ylätalo.

News was also received of the death of external members Vagn Buchwald and Hermann Opgenoorth.

Grants

The Finnish Academy of Science and Letters distributed almost 2.9 million euros in grants in 2025. The majority of these grants were for young post-graduate researchers. A single full-year grant for post-graduate study was worth 28,000 euros.

Grant applications were reviewed by reviewers appointed by the Governing Board of the Academy, who then prepared recommendations on the grants to be awarded. The final decisions were made by the Board on the basis of the reviewers’ recommendations. The possible conflicts of interest of grant reviewers and the board members have been taken into account when processing the grants of the funds and foundations administered by the Academy. No grants were awarded to Academy members.

This was the 61st time that grants for research in mathematics and natural sciences were distributed from the Vilho, Yrjö and Kalle Väisälä Fund. Approximately 1.77 million euros (1.69 million in 2024) was awarded in grants. The fund received a total of 327 (326) applications, with a combined sum of roughly 7.8 (7.4) million euros.

Grants from the Väisälä Fund were awarded to 80 (74) applicants. These included 54 (54) post-graduate grants for full-time academic study for a duration of one year and 13 (12) grants for part of a year. In connection with the post-graduate grants, 8 (8) grants were also awarded for research costs. A total of 17 (6) grants were awarded for short-term research visits abroad. In addition, one researcher was awarded a grant to invite a guest to Finland, which was a new category introduced in the call for applications.

The Väisälä project grants of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters were awarded for the third time this year. These grants are intended for researchers working in Finland at the early stages of the tenure track to set up their research group and cover the group’s research costs. The three-year project grant worth 150,000 euros was awarded to two researchers.

The Eino Jutikkala Fund distributed grants for research in the humanities for the 18th time. The application fields under the Academy’s Section of the Humanities are divided into two baskets, and applications in aesthetics and art research, Finno-Ugric studies, philosophy, pedagogy, linguistics, psychology, theology and religious studies were invited this year. The fund received a total of 343 (272 in 2024) applications, amounting to roughly 9.9 (7.6) million euros altogether. Due to the division into baskets, the figures are not directly comparable between two consecutive years.

Grants from the Jutikkala Fund were awarded to 22 (19) applicants, about 630,280 (519,060) euros in total. A total of 4 (3) grants were awarded for research costs in addition to post-graduate grants. All these grants were for the commencement of doctoral studies.

The Academy’s Mathematics Fund distributed roughly 13,550 (35,700) euros in grants and prizes. The Emil Öhmann Foundation, managed by the Academy, distributed 58,620 (56,900) euros in grants. The foundation also awarded 2 (3) grantees an Institute grant worth 3,000 (3,000) euros for short-term research at the Finnish Institute in Germany in Berlin. The Hilkka and Otto Brusiin Foundation, managed by the Academy, distributes grants every two years; in 2025, the foundation did not distribute grants.

The year 2025 was the tenth year in which the Academy took part in the Finnish Foundations’ Post Doc Pool. The grants awarded in 2025 amounted to 149,800 euros from the Väisälä Fund and 55,000 euros from the Jutikkala Fund. 

Prizes

The 2025 Academy Award of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters, worth 30,000 euros, was granted to Krista Varantola, a pioneer in linguistics and an influential figure in science. The Academy Award is an acknowledgement of lifetime achievement in sciences, and it is the most prominent recognition awarded by the Academy.

The Prize for the Humanities, worth 15,000 euros and awarded annually to a researcher in the humanities who is in the beginning of their career but has already earned international renown, was awarded to consumer researcher Eliisa Kylkilahti.

The Eino Jutikkala History Prize was awarded to Professor Emerita Irma Sulkunen, a pioneer in the study of women’s and gender history. Awarded every three years, the prize is worth 15,000 euros.

The Pro Scientia Prize, presented every two years, was awarded to Professor Esa Väliverronen for his determined, visible and impactful advocacy for science. The award is worth 10,000 euros.

The Väisälä Prize, worth 15,000 euros and awarded annually to young researchers who have already distinguished themselves in the field of mathematics and natural sciences, was awarded to physicist Matilda Backholm and mathematician Sylvester Eriksson-Bique. 

For the first time in 2025, the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters was one of the organisations awarding the A. I. Virtanen Prize. The prize was awarded to Kari Rissanen. The prize is awarded in recognition of internationally high-level research. 

During the year under review, the Academy nominated candidates for the following prizes: Balzan Prize, Bartebos Prize, Bower Award and Prize, Gad Rausings Pris, Holberg Prize, Keio Medical Science Prize and Nils Klim Prize. As for national awards, the Academy nominated a candidate for the Alfred Kordelin Prize and the Professor E. J. Nyström Prize.

Science and Policy

In 2025, the Academy’s Science and Policy activities encompassed the development of evidence-informed policymaking, dialogue with policymakers and the piloting of new approaches. During the year, knowledge syntheses were produced for public discussion, Science Sparring was conducted with the government, and the use of artificial intelligence was piloted as part of knowledge brokering. In addition, a discussion paper on the Finnish science-for-policy ecosystem was published, the world’s first Philosophy of Science Advice seminar was organised, and a university tour was conducted. Over the course of the year, more than 180 researchers and 20 research organisations contributed to the Science and Policy activities. 

In 2025, the Phenomenon Maps project continued with support from the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, conducting piloting and development related to the Science and Policy activities. 

A key part of the year’s activities was the production of written knowledge syntheses. Eight knowledge syntheses were published during the year: Olipa kerran oivallus! Miten TKI-politiikka edistää talouskasvua ja hyvinvointia? (“Once Upon a Time There Was an Insight! How Does RDI Policy Promote Economic Growth and Wellbeing?”), Lisää virtaa – palvelevatko datakeskukset Suomea? (“More Power – Do Data Centres Serve Finland?”), Perusopetuksen keinot oppimistulosten parantamiseen (“Ways to Improve Learning Outcomes in Basic Education”), Suomi toisena kielenä -opetus ja sen muutostarpeet (“Finnish as a Second Language Instruction and How it Needs to Change”), Miten vastata alfa-PVP:n eli ”peukun” aiheuttamiin haasteisiin? (”How to Respond to the Challenges Posed by Alpha-PVP”), Unohdetut muistisairaat – nopeasti yleistyvä kansansairaus haastaa palvelut (“Forgotten People With a Memory Disorder – A Rapidly Spreading Disease Challenges Services”), Tiedon anatomia: näkökulmia tiedon monimuotoisuuteen yhteiskunnallisessa päätöksenteossa (”The Anatomy of Knowledge: Perspectives on the Diversity of Knowledge in Societal Policymaking”) and Loputon kierto – tiedeisku kriittisistä raaka-aineista (“The Endless Cycle – A Science Brief on Critical Raw Materials”).

During the year, a discussion paper titled The Finnish Science-for-Policy Ecosystem was also published, which mapped out the operating environment of evidence-informed policymaking in Finland and analysed how research-based knowledge is utilised in political decision-making. Two discussion events were organised based on the findings of the discussion paper: one in collaboration with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the other a high-level roundtable discussion for strategic partners. The conclusions of the discussion paper were also presented during a university tour, where meetings were held with university rectorates to explore their interest in a more systematic model of cooperation with the Academy.

Conducting Science Sparring was a key part of the activities. The Science Sparring development sprint, launched in 2024, continued throughout 2025. Sparring sessions were held with ministries, including sessions entitled “Knowledge base for promoting capital-driven industrial competitiveness” (Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment), “Knowledge base for civil society policy” (Ministry of Justice), and “Knowledge base of physical activity, sports and elite sports” (Ministry of Education and Culture). In addition, sparring was conducted with other organisations, such as the National Emergency Supply Agency in the project ”The impact of tipping points on emergency supply” (National Emergency Supply Agency and Operaatio Arktis), with HELSUS in the project ”Requirements set by the sustainability crisis for journalism and science communication”, and with the ELY Centres’ network of climate experts in the project ”High impact climate actions in regional administration”. In the Government’s Legislative Drafting Consultation Guide published in the autumn of 2025, Science Sparring was recommended as a low-threshold consultation method. In 2026, the focus of activities will shift to spreading the competencies required for the use and implementation of the method.

During the year, the world’s first Philosophy of Science Advice invitational workshop was organised in collaboration with the European Commission’s Science Advice Mechanism (SAM). In addition, an analysis and commentary paper were produced to support the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre in planning strategic evidence-informed policymaking.

The harnessing of artificial intelligence was developed on a pilot basis as part of the activities. During the year, three pilot workshops were facilitated using AI, and in three Science Sparring workshops, AI-generated observations and analysis were tested. As the findings from the pilots proved promising, a cooperation project with Aalto University was launched. The project aims to develop ways to enhance knowledge brokers’ competencies in using AI and to explore creative ways to utilise AI as part of stress testing in Science Sparring.

The Academy’s Science and policy activities received significant international recognition during the year. The activities were awarded the European Geoscience Union’s (EGU) Science for Policy Award for its meritorious work in promoting national and European evidence-informed policymaking and in developing approaches for knowledge brokering. In addition, at the Science Advice Mechanism (SAM) conference, Science Sparring was recognised as the most innovative knowledge brokering method. 

International cooperation and dialogue were significantly strengthened during the year. International connections were reinforced with, among others, Japan, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Switzerland, New Zealand, Estonia, Lithuania, Germany and Denmark. During the year, a visit was made to Sir Peter Gluckman’s Koi Tū Centre for Informed Futures, and the Academy’s approaches were presented to science advisors in the New Zealand and Japanese governments. 

The following activities and events also took place during the year under review: 

Meetings of the network of knowledge brokers (spring and autumn)

Publication event for the discussion paper ”The Anatomy of Knowledge”

Publication event for the science brief ”Forgotten People with a Memory Disorder”

Publication event for the science brief ”More Power – Do Data Centres Serve Finland?”

Publication event for the knowledge synthesis “How to Respond to the Challenges Posed by Alpha-PVP”

Publication event for the discussion paper ”Once Upon a Time There Was an Insight! How Does RDI Policy Promote Economic Growth and Wellbeing?”

Speech and participation in the poster session at the conference Building Bridges: Science Advice Mechanism

Keynote speech at the Danish High-level R&I Delegation event

Speech at the Royal Danish Academy of Science and Letters Workshop

Speech at the High-Level Meeting of Science Advice Mechanism in Brussels

Knowledge Brokering Manifesto invitational workshop in Brussels

Invitational workshop on vision and mission for European Community of Practice on EIPM in Brussels

Final conference of the project Building Capacity for Evidence-Informed Policymaking in Governance and Public Administration in a Post-Pandemic Europe in Brussels

Speech at the INGSA Europe Oxford Conference

Speech at the University of Auckland MPP event

Speech at the SAPEA online workshop: The Use of AI in Scientific Advice Processes

Presentation of Science Sparring at a European Community of Practice meeting 

Presentation of Science Sparring to researchers working in the BioAgora project

Speech at the JRC AI Peer Workshop

Presentation of Science Sparring at a Science Organisation for Policy Network meeting 

Participation in the European Community of Practice on EIPM meeting

Speech at the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research SPI workshop

Speech at the Institute for Technology Assessment: GlobaITA webinar

Presentation of Science Sparring in the CECAN Fellowship Programme 

Training of an impact trainer for Young Academy Finland

SAPEA online workshop

Participation in a panel discussion at the Conference on Administrative and Local Government Studies at the University of Vaasa

Workshop on knowledge brokering in crisis situations at the seminar ”Is current knowledge brokering impactful?”, organised by the Academy, Hanasaari and the Federation of Finnish Learned Societies

Communications

Communications were strongly guided by the operational themes of the 2025–2028 strategic period: the freedom and continuity of science, the impact of science, and major societal challenges. These themes were reflected in the themes of events as well as in campaigns or individual communications across various channels and in statements made by individuals representing the Academy.

Throughout the year, there was lively public debate regarding the freedom of science, and the Academy was active on this theme both in its activities and in related communications, aiming to defend the freedom of science, increase awareness and understanding of the topic, identify and highlight related challenges and activate discussion. Additional communication goals included increasing the Academy’s recognition, visibility and profile as a defender of freedom of science, democracy and education.

In connection with the theme of the freedom of science, the Academy conducted its own background study, and a roundtable discussion was organised in connection with this. The topic was also the theme of the Evening for Science in November. A significant success in communicating with the wider public was that Professor Esa Väliverronen, recipient of the Pro Scientia Prize, appeared on national mainstream media (Huomenta Suomi programme on MTV) to speak about the freedom of science after receiving the prize.

Major societal challenges was a consistent theme in, among other things, public events organised by the Academy, as well as stakeholder events and many other initiatives. The Academy was also highly active in various forms of international cooperation and networks related to, among other things, the development of evidence-informed policymaking.

The impact of science theme and the development of evidence-informed policymaking were among the Academy’s priorities for its activities, and these were actively communicated throughout the year to increase the impact of the activities and to improve awareness and visibility among relevant target groups.

Communication related to the Science and Policy activities was carried out systematically, particularly in connection with various current events and publications. In particular, knowledge syntheses, often addressing topics of broad public interest, from alpha-PVP to memory disorders and data centres, increased the Academy’s visibility among a wider audience thanks to media coverage. During the year, a systematic approach to communicating about publications was launched: publication events open to everyone, press releases and social media posts about the publications. The content of the knowledge syntheses was featured in several widely circulated media outlets, such as Yle, MTV, HBL and Aamulehti, as well as in specialised media, such as Lääkärilehti.

A news article on Science Sparring was published on the ministries’ joint intranet, describing the experiences of ministries that had already used the method. The article attracted considerable interest among the target group and led to new contacts. 

In addition to the knowledge syntheses, a significant portion of the Academy’s media visibility came from news coverage of awards and grants, as well as news articles featuring members in which Academy membership was also mentioned.

Among the Academy’s own communication channels, relevant audiences were best reached via digital channels through the website, LinkedIn and Facebook. The Academy focused its communications mainly on LinkedIn, systematically producing content on various topics and more than doubling its follower count on the platform to nearly 4,000 over the course of the year. The Science and Policy newsletter was also launched during the year. By the end of the year, the number of newsletter subscribers had grown to approximately 900.

The Academy’s communications have been strongly developed in a visual direction, with a particular focus on video content. Various video concepts have been developed and tested, resulting in communications, particularly on social media, becoming increasingly engaging and effective, while also reinforcing the Academy’s profile as an agile, forward-thinking organisation.

Communication for the History of Science in Finland project emphasised stakeholder cooperation and communication, as well as organised events. The project’s researchers have communicated about the project by giving introductions at various universities and scientific organisations, writing blog posts, participating in podcasts and organising seminars and discussion events. In addition, the project’s website was updated.

The Academy’s member communications are largely based on regular member newsletters, which keep members informed about current issues at the Academy. Eleven member newsletters were sent to members by mail or electronically.

Meetings and events

During 2025, the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters organised public events throughout the year, with the exception of the summer months. Evenings for Science were held at the House of Nobility. The events were available as live streams via Yle Areena and as recordings afterwards. The Evenings for Science gathered a total of approximately 900 participants to the House of Nobility and about 5,000 viewers to the stream.

4 Feb. Ilta tieteelle, aiheena luontokato. (“Evening for Science: biodiversity loss”) Speakers: Head of Group Public and Regulatory Affairs Jyrki Katainen, Professor Janne Kotiaho and Specialist Mari Pantsar.

10 Mar. Ilta tieteelle, aiheena talous ja perustutkimus. (“Evening for Science: the economy and basic research”) Speakers: Professor of Economics Otto Toivanen, Academician of Science Sirpa Jalkanen and Chief Economist at the Finnish Startup Community Youssef Zad.

8 Sep. Ilta tieteelle, uusien jäsenten ilta. (“Evening for Science: new members’ evening”) Speakers: Professors Ilkka Niiniluoto, Anu Kantele-Häkkinen and Paavo Leppänen.

20 Oct. Ilta tieteelle, humanisti-ilta. (“Evening for Science: humanities evening”) Keynote speaker: Associate Professor of Law Daniela Alaattinoglu. In addition, the Prize for the Humanities, the Eino Jutikkala History Prize and grants from the Jutikkala Fund and the Öhman Foundation were awarded.

10 Nov. Ilta tieteelle, teemana tieteen vapaus. (“Evening for Science: freedom of science”) Speakers: Esa Väliverronen, Anders Adlercreutz and Johanna Vuorelma. The Pro Scientia Prize was presented.

8 Dec. Ilta tieteelle, teemana matemaattis-luonnontieteet. (“Evening for Science: mathematics and natural sciences”) Speakers: Professor of Political Science Maija Setälä and the recipients of the Väisälä Prize. The Väisälä Prizes and grants were awarded.

Each evening was preceded by an informal meeting exclusively for members at the facilities of the Academy at Mariankatu.

During the year, the Academy also collaborated with other parties in the field on events and organised Science Matinees:

9 Jan. “Is current knowledge brokering impactful” seminar at the Hanaholmen Cultural Centre, as part of the Science Forum

9 Jan. “Päätämmekö itse mistä pidämme?” (“Do we decide for ourselves what we like?”) seminar at the Academy as part of the Night of Science. Speakers: Professor Mari Sandell and Assistant Professor Polaris Koi. 

9 Jan. “The magic of the Northern Lights” at the Hanaholmen Cultural Centre as part of the Night of Science. Speaker: Professor Minna Palmroth.

10 Jan. “The preconditions for scientific insights” panel discussion at the University of Helsinki, as part of the Science Forum

10 Apr. Science Matinee: “The Europeanisation of Research and Higher Education”

13 May, Science Matinee: “Miten tiede vaikuttaa yhteiskunnalliseen päätöksentekoon” (“How science influences societal decision-making”)

21–22 May, Seminar: “Oral History and the History of Knowledge”, on the topic of using interviews and oral history in the history of science.

25 Nov. Seminar of the geosciences group: “Climatic impacts of land cover changes – impact of climate change on land”

22 Oct. Science Matinee: “Monitieteiset metodit paljastavat: Pohjola kirjoitettiin keskiajalla osaksi Eurooppaa” (“Multidisciplinary methods reveal: the Nordic region was written into Europe in the Middle Ages”) Speaker: Professor Tuomas Heikkilä.

12 Nov. Science Matinee: “Ihminen ja tekoäly – roolit uusiksi?” (“Humans and Artificial Intelligence – rethinking the roles?”) Opening speakers: Professor Tuula Linna and Professor Kimmo Kaski.

The meetings of the sections of the Academy were held in March at the facilities of the Academy on Mariankatu. In terms of regular meetings, the Spring Meeting was held in April at the House of Nobility and the annual gala dinner at Valkoinen Sali (White Hall). The Autumn Meeting was held in November at the Mariankatu facilities of the Academy.

Publications

Issue AASF 1/2025 of the Academy’s multidisciplinary publication series Annales Academiae Scientiarum Fennicae (AASF) was published. The issue contains a total of seven research articles. The issue is freely available online at journal.fi and is also sold at Bookstore Tiedekirja. Issue AASF 2/2025 was in production during the year and is published in early 2026. The editors-in-chief of the series are Anna Mauranen and Risto Nieminen.

The Year Book 2024 of the Academy was published in 2025 in Finnish and in English. The Year Book is freely available online on the Academy’s website. The print version of the Year Book is sent to all members and stakeholders and is also sold at Bookstore Tiedekirja. The editor-in-chief of the publication is Pekka Aula, and the editorial assistant is Nina Rapelo.

During the year, numerous knowledge syntheses were produced, mainly under the Science and Policy theme. In addition, a discussion paper titled “The Finnish Science-for-Policy Ecosystem” was published. 

The Academy received a government grant of 15,000 (19,900 in 2024) euros for its publications; the grant was for the AASF series. Exchange of the Academy’s publications is managed by the Exchange Centre for Scientific Literature run by the Federation of Finnish Learned Societies. The Academy had 49 (44) overseas exchange partners at the end of the year 2024, and a total of 39 (45) publications were sent out in this way. In 2025, the revenue from publication sales was approximately 3,500 euros (5,100 euros in 2024).

A joint publishing committee was established in the beginning of 1996 to coordinate the publishing activities of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters and the Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters. The committee is elected for a three-year term, and the chair of the committee is selected alternately from representatives of the Academy or the Society. The representative of the Academy for the 2024–2026 term is Tiina Kinnunen.

The goal of the Academy’s communications was to increase the impact, visibility and profile of the Academy’s activities among various target groups.

Finances and asset management

The Financial Management Committee, the advisory body of the Governing Board on financial matters, consisted in 2025 of Tuula Linna (chair), Heikki Mannila, Hannu Vartiainen, Juha Kinnunen, Päivi Pahta and Pekka Aula. Anders Ekholm and Ralf Sunell served as expert advisors. The Academy’s assets were managed in accordance with the investment strategy for the Academy itself, its funds and the foundations under its administration, as updated in early 2025.

At the end of 2025, the total value of the assets held by the Academy and its various funds was approximately 249.5 million euros (223 million euros in 2024), with a further sum of 5.3 million euros held by the foundations under the Academy’s administration at the end of 2025. These assets, comprising portfolios of shares and bonds and alternative investments, were managed by Nordea and Evli. Alternative investments consist of the property at Mariankatu 5 and units in real estate funds, as well as private equity investments, the most significant of which are units in the Hamilton Lane Club Fund.

The return on investment assets, consisting of dividends, interest, rents and changes in the value of assets, was 8.8% in the year under review (15.3% in the previous year).  

The auditor of the Academy’s accounts and administrative procedures in 2025 was KHT auditor Riku Kärnä, with KHT auditor Helena Sinisalo as deputy auditor. The audit report and the report on financial management are published in connection with the 2025 Year Book.

In the spring of 2025, the renovation of the 4th floor of the Mariankatu premises was completed. The building management company repaired damage caused by water, and at the same time, the Academy renovated its premises.

Sustainability of activities

The collaborative project between the Academy and School of Resources Wisdom – JYU.Wisdom at the University of Jyväskylä to calculate the Academy’s ecological footprint was completed during the year under review. The project assessed the carbon and ecological footprints of the Academy’s core activities as well as, for the first time in Finland, its investment portfolio. 

A publication event was held to present the results of the project and to discuss more broadly the environmental impacts of investment activities and how to measure them. An Evening for Science on the theme of biodiversity loss was also organised as part of the project.

The results of the project have led to changes in the Academy’s activities and provided a foundation for planning investments. For example, changes were made to travel and procurement practices. In addition, training on measuring the ecological footprint was provided to the Academy’s staff so that the development of the footprint can be monitored in the future. 

The History of Science in Finland

The year saw the continuation of the History of science in Finland project, launched in 2024, with the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters and the Finnish Society of Science and Letters as the project coordinators. The project’s workspaces are located at the Academy’s facilities at Mariankatu. In addition to funding previously granted by the Academy, the Society, the Society of Swedish Literature in Finland and the Alfred Kordelin Foundation, the Ella & Georg Ehrnrooth Foundation awarded the project 93,000 euros in funding during the year.

The project examines the key developments in science in Finland during the period of independence and connects them to an international research framework on the history of science and knowledge. The project consists of three parts: 1) personal narratives and interviews, 2) research and publication, and 3) a website on the history of science in Finland.

 The majority of the approximately 60 interviews conducted so far took place during 2025. In the first phase, members of the Academy and the Society, as well as academicians of science, were interviewed. The collection of personal narratives and recollections has continued in collaboration with the Finnish Literature Society and the Society of Swedish Literature in Finland. After the project, the extensive interview and oral history material will be archived for later use. As part of the interviews, we are collaborating with international colleagues, particularly researchers from the Oral History of British Science project at the British Library.

 During the year, we maintained a dialogue with both academic and non-academic audiences through seminars and workshops organised by the project. Examples of seminar activities:

“Oivallusten edellytykset” (“Prerequisites for insights”) panel discussion, Science Forum

Seminar: “History of science and the history of knowledge”

Workshop: “Nordic universities in the European knowledge society, Part 1” in Lund

Presentation: “Näkökulmia Suomen tieteen ja tiedon historian” (“Perspectives on the History of Science and Knowledge in Finland”)

Presentation: “Oral History and the History of Knowledge”

Presentation: “Forskningens frihet i massuniversitetets begynnelse” (“Freedom of research in the early days of the mass university”), at the seminar Kultur och vetenskap i en instabil värld in Gotherburg, focusing on the autonomy of science

Panel discussion of the project: “Millaista tieteenhistoriaa tarvitsemme?” (“What kind of history of science do we need?”) with Professor Marjatta Hietala at the Finnish Conference of History Research

Workshop: “Nordic universities in the European knowledge society, Part 2” at the Academy

Presentation: “Vetenskapens och kunskapens historia i Finland” (“The history of science and knowledge in Finland”)

Presentation: “Nya perspektiv på Vetenskapens historia i Finland” (“New perspectives on the history of science in Finland”)

Seminar: “Contentious Topics in the History of Science”

 Based on the “Nordic universities” and “Contentious Topics” seminars, projects for collections of articles were launched. The book projects are carried out in cooperation with the Universities of Lund and Uppsala and the Helsinki University Museum Flame.

 The project collaborated with the National Biography project of the Finnish Literature Society and sought experts to write biographical articles on scientists. Approximately 20 new articles were produced for the National Biography.

 As part of the project, Stéphane Van Damme, Professor of History of Science at the École Normale Supérieure, served as a visiting professor at the Academy for one month. The visit was organised in collaboration with the French Institute.

Young Academy Finland

The year 2025 was the eighth full year of operation for Young Academy Finland (YAF), founded with the aim of promoting science, especially from the viewpoint of young researchers who are just starting their academic careers. The Board of Young Academy Finland was chaired by Samuli Autti. Young Academy Finland had a total of 77 members and 115 alumni at the end of 2025.

Young Academy Finland works in association with the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters. It issues its own annual report every year and submits it to the Governing Board of the Academy.

Staff

The Secretary General of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters was Professor Pekka Aula. Leila Sarajärvi served as the Academy’s Administrative Manager, Nina Rapelo as Administrative Secretary, Emilia Lähde as Administrative Assistant  and Säde Kunnas as Coordinator. The Head of Communications was Irina Haltsonen from June, and the Communications Specialist was Aleksi Kylmälahti.

The Science and Policy team consisted of Academy Secretary Jaakko Kuosmanen, Knowledge Broker Iiris Koivulehto, after returning from family leave in September, and as her deputy, Laura Väliniemi. The Phenomenon Map project involved Knowledge Brokers Annina Ala-Outinen from March, Linda Lammensalo, Antti Kailio, and Laura Väliniemi from September, and working part-time, Lotta Arola and Tommi Kärkkäinen from February, Oskari Nokso-Koivisto from February to August, Laura Perälä from August, and Aleksis Oreschnikoff until April.

Riikka Hiltunen served as part-time Science Coordinator for Young Academy Finland and, starting in August, as full-time Science Secretary. Kim Krappala served as Science Education Coordinator for the “Meet a Researcher” project, and Selja Taipale served as Coordinator for the Swedish-language project until March and Anna Svenn took over in April. Inka Rantakallio was the editor-in-chief of the “Mene ja tiedä” online magazine.

Working primarily on a part-time basis on the History of Science in Finland project were, starting in August, Ahto Apajalahti and Sophy Bergenheim, Valter Finnäs; starting in April, Hanna Lindberg, Heikki Mikkonen, Stefan Nygård and Lauri Pykälä; and starting in September, Katariina Parhi.

The staff of the Academy attended a wide variety of training events and seminars. During the year, events were also organised on the theme of well-being at work.

During the year under review, the Academy paid monthly or hourly wages to a total of 35 people and a salary or remuneration to 94 people.

International activities

In 2025, the Academy strengthened existing international relationships, particularly in Europe, Japan and New Zealand. The Academy also received international recognition for its work on science for policy: its activities were awarded the European Geoscience Union (EGU) Science for Policy Award. At the Science Advice Mechanism (SAM) conference, Science Sparring was recognised as the most innovative knowledge brokering method.

During the year, the Academy carried out visits to Japan (including the Science Council of Japan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Institute for Science and Technology), New Zealand (including the KoTüi Institute for Informed Futures, Prime Minister’s Office, University of Auckland), Germany (Leopoldina, ALLEA), Denmark (Royal Danish Academy of Science and Letters) and the United Kingdom (Royal Society, British Academy of Medical Sciences, University of Oxford).

The Academy helped organise an international invitational workshop titled Philosophy of Science Advice in collaboration with the European Commission’s Science Advice Mechanism (SAM).

Contacts with international scientific organisations by the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters took place mainly under the auspices of the Council of Finnish Academies (CoFA), the cooperative body for the science academies in Finland. The President was a member of the executive committee of CoFA, and the Vice President acted as the deputy. The Secretary General was also a member of the executive committee, but without a vote. The Academy was represented on CoFA’s International Affairs Committee (IAC) by Marjaana Niemi, Eija Kalso, Kimmo Kaski and Anna Mauranen until February and Päivi Pahta starting in March. The chair of CoFA’s Human Rights Committee was Liisa Laakso.

Through the medium of CoFA, members of the Academy held positions of trust in several international scientific organisations: Mats Gyllenberg and Craig Primmer in EASAC; Anna Mauranen, Ahti Salo and Mari Vaattovaara in ISC; Mika Kajava in UAI; Liisa Laakso in the International Human Rights Network; Johanna Kantola, Kimmo Kaski, Päivi Pahta and Krista Varantola in ALLEA; Olli Ikkala in SAPEA; and Elina Ikonen and Mari Vaattovaara in IAP.

The Academy appoints members to various national committees. The representatives on the National Committee for Radio Science (URSI) were Esa Kallio and Karri Muinonen, with Ilya Usoskin as the deputy. Kimmo Kahma was the representative on the Finnish National SCOR Committee, Juha Pekka Lunkka on the National Committee for Quaternary Research (INQUA), Ilkka Norros on the National Committee on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (IUTAM), Juha Pekka Lunkka on the National Committee for Geology (IUGS), Karri Muinonen on the Finnish National Committee for Astronomy (IAU) and Atte Korhola on the National Committee of Arctic and Antarctic Research (SCAR), with Juha Pekka Lunkka as deputy.

The Academy was represented by President Tuula Linna and Secretary General Pekka Aula at the Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum in Kyoto, Japan.

Representations and positions of trust

Hannu Vartiainen served as a member of the board of the Mariankatu 5–7 property company on behalf of the Academy. Pekka Aula attended the annual general meeting of the property company as the representative of the Academy.

During the year, the Governing Board of the Academy proposed members for several working groups and bodies by request. The Academy has representatives in several institutions and organisations both in Finland and abroad.

The Academy is a member of the Association of Finnish Foundations and the Federation of Finnish Learned Societies (TSV). It was represented on the board of TSV by Heta Pyrhönen (deputy Johanna Mappes) and Kimmo Kaski (deputy Tuula Linna). Pekka Aula represented the Academy at TSV’s spring and autumn meetings. The Academy was represented by Juhani Knuuti on the programme committee of the Science Forum and Pekka Aula on the steering committee.

The Academy was represented on the Board of Directors of the Alfred Kordelin Foundation by Jukka Seppälä (deputy Kimmo Kaski) and Anna Mauranen (Mari Vaattovaara). The representatives in the Foundation’s section for science were Sami Pihlström (Tuomas Forsberg) and Tapio Mappes (Gabriel Sandu). The representative in the section for public education was Markku Löytönen (Risto Nieminen), and in the section for literature Sari Kivistö (Tomi Huttunen). Helmi Järviluoma-Mäkelä (Arto Haapala) sat in the section for arts.

The Academy’s representatives on the Finnish Zoological and Botanical Publishing Board were Jaana Bäck and Riitta Julkunen-Tiitto, while Tapio Raunio represented the Academy in the Foundation for Foreign Policy Research. The Academy’s representative in the Finnish Foundations’ Post Doc Pool was Tiina Kinnunen, with Riitta Julkunen-Tiitto as her deputy, and Secretary General Pekka Aula served as the Academy’s representative on the national LUMA Advisory Board. Anna Mauranen was nominated by the Academy as a member of the Board of Directors of the Finnish Research Impact Foundation.

At the end of 2025, the Academy of Sciences had the following members on the Academy of Finland’s scientific committees: Louis Clerc, Jaakko Husa, and Leena Kolehmainen on the Scientific Council for Social Sciences and Humanities; Kalle-Antti Suominen, Johan Bobacka and Harri Lipsanen on the Scientific Council for Natural Sciences and Engineering; and Taina Rantanen and Maija Tenkanen on the Scientific Council for Biosciences, Health and the Environment. Petri Karonen and Kimmo Nuotio have served on the Board of the Research Council of Finland. Mikael Fogelholm has served on the Strategic Research Council.Risto Nieminen was the Academy’s representative at the annual meeting of the Finnish Zoological and Botanical Publishing Board in March. The Academy was represented by Pekka Aula at the spring and autumn meetings of the Association of Finnish Foundations. Hannu Vartiainen represented the Academy at the shareholders’ meeting of Vaisala Oyj in March.